Hip-hop star and entrepreneur will.i.am on business, passion, and not being afraid to fail

You might know him as the founding member of the world-renowned hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas. With a discography of numerous Billboard top 10 hits and seven Grammy awards, it might come as a surprise that will.i.am is also a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of a technology and fashion company, i.am+, and i.am.angel, an organization dedicated to inspiring students to pursue a career in STEAM ( science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics).

At StartUp Columbia 2017, a two-day celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation at Columbia University, the hip hop recording artist sat down to talk about his current pursuits including his new show, Planet of the Apps , Apple’s new reality show about apps and their creators. will.i.am’s desire to help others is ultimately the driving force behind his focus: “So no matter what, we haven’t made it yet. We still have relatives that aren’t well off,” he says.

We compiled a list of will.i.am’s top inspirational quotes to stir your passion and keep you motivated.